How is the Pentose Phosphate Pathway Altered in Cancer?
Cancer cells often exhibit an altered metabolic profile, including enhanced PPP activity. This shift supports their rapid proliferation and survival. The upregulation of PPP in cancer cells facilitates the production of NADPH, which is essential for detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintaining redox balance. Additionally, the PPP provides ribose-5-phosphate, crucial for nucleotide synthesis, thereby supporting DNA and RNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.
